This program aims at making basic healthcare more accessible to populations living in remote areas and providing them as well with specialized surgical services, Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity stated in a press release.
In addition, this initiative is associated with the digital health program, Connected Mobile Medical Units – Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity (UMMC – FMVS) launched in November 2023. It is specifically dedicated to residents of the municipalities of Fezouata and Taghbalt, identified as suffering from cataracts during their medical follow-up in the Tinfou El Berrania and Ait Mnad units.
Through this solidarity-driven action, the Foundation will cover 150 ophthalmic surgeries, providing numerous patients the opportunity to regain their sight and improve their quality of life, the same source adds.
The Foundation further states that a comprehensive intervention system has been set up at the UMMC – FMVS site in Tinfou El Berrania (42 km from the city of Zagora), in accordance with the safety and healthcare quality standards.
This system includes the existing facilities of the UMMC – FMVS as well as reception areas and 5 medical units specially deployed for this operation. These units include surgical operating rooms, an ophthalmology consultation unit, a biology unit, and a pharmacy. All of which are organized according to the pre- and post-operative pathway for cataract surgery.
A first phase of examinations, carried out 48 hours before the surgery, includes ophthalmic consultations and biological assessments to check the patients health status and confirm their eligibility for the surgical procedure, the press release adds, noting that in order to facilitate access for local populations, the local authorities ensure transportation from the residential areas, allowing beneficiaries to reach the campaign site under the best possible conditions.
To offer quality care and support, a team of 50 professionals has been mobilized, which includes doctors, social workers, and the Foundation’s logistics staff as well as volunteer specialists provided by the Association Marocaine Médicale de Solidarité (AMMS).
Among these specialists are ophthalmologists, anesthesiologists and ophthalmic surgeons. AMMS also provides logistical support by supplying two ophthalmic surgery units, each with four operating rooms.
The successful implementation of this solidarity campaign relies on close collaboration between the Foundation, local authorities, the Provincial Delegation of Health and Social Protection and AMMS. This coordination ensures optimal care for the beneficiaries and effective field management.
In 2024, the Foundation conducted 4 cataract surgery campaigns in the provinces of Amizmiz, Chichaoua, Sefrou, and Boulemane, resulting in 398 surgeries and 833 ophthalmic consultations.
In parallel, the Foundation supported the organization of 3 multidisciplinary and cataract surgery caravans, implemented by partner medical associations in the provinces of Tan Tan, Tetouan, and Benslimane. These caravans provided 136 surgeries, 320 ophthalmic consultations, and 2,606 multidisciplinary medical services.
The UMMC – FMVS program aims to improve access to healthcare in rural and remote areas through a local care model combining general medicine and tele-expertise in various specialties.
These achievements reflect the Foundation’s ongoing commitment to bringing healthcare closer to disadvantaged populations in rural areas and improving their quality of life.
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